Cover assembly for an in-floor fitting

ABSTRACT

A cover assembly is provided for preventing water infiltration into an in-floor receptacle fitting, such as a poke-thru fitting. The cover assembly includes a trim flange which overlies the fitting and is adapted to support at least one receptacle within the fitting. A cover plate is mounted on the trim flange includes access doors for selectively covering and exposing the receptacles. A first seal member is interposed between the cover plate and the trim flange for sealing against water infiltration therebetween. The first seal may be in the form of a planar gasket or O-ring. A second seal, in the form of at least one compressible gasket, extends around the perimeter of the floor opening and is adapted to be compressed between the trim flange and the surface of the floor. The cover plate may also include top and bottom portions and a third seal member interposed between the top and bottom portions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of Provisional ApplicationSerial No. 60/311,013, filed Aug. 8, 2001 and Provisional ApplicationSerial No. 60/263,483, filed Jan. 23, 2001, and is acontinuation-in-part of application serial number U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/978,731, filed Oct. 15, 2001.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] [Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[0003] [Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In-floor fittings such as poke-thru fittings, aftersets fittings,and preset fittings are installed in concrete floors to provideelectrical receptacles and communication/data receptacles (or jacks) atdesired locations in buildings. As a result, such fittings may beexposed to water, e.g. during carpet cleaning. It is desirable that suchfittings are designed to prevent moisture infiltration from above thefloor. In this respect, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is proposingcertification standards which will require such fittings to keep scrubwater out of the portion of the fitting that houses the electricaloutlet, e.g. the power portion. Scrub water is a soap and water mixturethat is typically used when cleaning carpets and other finished floorsurfaces.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A cover assembly is usable with a fitting of which is disposed ina floor and has an inner compartment accessible through an opening inthe upper surface of the floor. The fitting is configured so that sourcecables can be routed into the inner compartment from a location belowthe upper surface of the floor. The cover assembly includes a firstportion which overlies the floor opening and is connectable to thefitting. The first portion may be in the form of a trim flange. Thefirst portion includes a central opening which overlies the flooropening to provide access to receptacles carried by the fitting. Thefirst portion may function as a mounting bracket for supportingreceptacles, such as power receptacles and/or a communications/datareceptacles. Alternatively, some or all of the receptacles may besupported by mounting brackets within the fitting itself. The coverassembly also includes a second portion which is mounted on the firstportion and which overlies the receptacles carried by the fitting. Thesecond portion includes access doors movable between closed positions toprevent access to the receptacles and open positions at which thereceptacles are exposed and accessible from above.

[0006] A first seal member is interposed between the cover assemblyfirst and second portions and is adapted to seal against waterinfiltration between the cover assembly first and second portions, andinto the fitting. A second seal member interposed between the coverassembly first portion and the floor and is adapted to seal againstwater infiltration between the cover assembly and the floor, and intothe fitting.

[0007] The first seal member may include a planar gasket sandwichedbetween the cover assembly first and second portions. The first sealmember includes a access openings which provides access to thereceptacles. Ribs extend upwardly around the perimeters of the accessopenings and abut against the bottoms of the access doors when the doorsare at their closed positions. The interference fit between the ribs andthe access doors seals against water infiltration therebetween and intothe fitting. The first seal further includes a rib extending downwardlyaround the perimeter of the opening in the cover assembly first portion.The rib is configured to mate with a reciprocal groove formed in thecover assembly first portion so as to seal against water infiltrationbetween the first seal member and the cover assembly first portion, andinto the fitting.

[0008] The second seal member may include at least one compressiblegasket extending around the perimeter of the floor opening. The gasketis adapted to be compressed between the cover assembly first portion andthe floor's surface when the first portion is connected to the fitting.The second seal member may include a pair of such compressible, annulargaskets extending around the floor opening. A first gasket is compressedbetween the cover assembly first portion and the concrete floor, and thesecond gasket is compressed between the cover assembly first portion andthe finished flooring, e.g., carpet or tile.

[0009] According to certain aspects of an embodiment of the presentinvention, the cover assembly second portion is in the form of a coverplate which includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and a plurality ofaccess doors slidably mounted between the top and bottom portions. Athird seal is interposed between the top and bottom portions and isadapted to seal against water infiltration between the top and bottomportions. The seal may be in the form of a compressible polymeric gasketand may be co-molded with one of the top and bottom portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an in-floor fitting incorporatinga cover assembly according to certain aspects of an embodiment thepresent invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a partial, exploded perspective view of the fitting ofFIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 1, showingthe fitting has been installed in an opening in a concrete floor.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view along line B-B of FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the coverassembly illustrating an alternative power receptacle design.

[0015]FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom view of a cover plate from the coverassembly of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of acommunication/data mounting bracket.

[0017]FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective of a second embodiment of acommunication/data mounting bracket.

[0018]FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective illustrating a cover assemblyaccording to certain aspects of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0019]FIG. 10 is a top view of a slide assembly of the cover assembly ofFIG. 9.

[0020]FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of FIG. 10.

[0021]FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 11A.

[0022]FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the coverassembly of

[0023]FIG. 9 installed on an in-floor fitting.

[0024]FIG. 13 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a top member anda seal member from a cover plate assembly used in the cover assembly ofFIG. 9.

[0025]FIG. 14 is a bottom exploded perspective view illustrating themanner in which access doors are connected to a bottom member in thecover assembly of FIG. 9.

[0026]FIG. 15 is an exploded top perspective view of the componentsshown in FIG. 14.

[0027]FIG. 16 is a bottom exploded perspective view of a cover plateassembly used in the cover assembly of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a water-tight cover assembly 2 for anin-floor fitting 10 generally includes a first portion in the form of atrim flange 3, a second portion in the form of a slide holder or coverplate 4, a first or internal seal member 5, and a second or externalseal member 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover assembly 2 isdescribed in connection with a poke-thru fitting. It will beappreciated, however, that the cover assembly 2 could readily be adaptedfor use with other types of in-floor fittings, such as preset orafterset fittings as are used with in-floor raceway systems.

[0029] The poke-thru fitting 10 may be constructed generally inaccordance with the poke-thru fittings disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,175,078, which issued Jan. 16, 2001 and is entitled “Flush Poke-thruWiring Fitting Having A Height Adjustable Data Jack Mounting Bracket”(the “'078 patent”) and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/642,951,which was filed on Aug. 21, 2000 and is entitled “Quad Receptacle, DualCircuit Flush Poke-thru Wiring Fitting With Internally MountableCommunication/Data Jacks,” (the “'951 application”). The disclosures ofthe '078 patent and the '951 application are hereby incorporated byreference.

[0030] The poke-thru fitting 10 is constructed for mounting in afire-rated floor A of a building, such as a commercial office building.More specifically, the poke-thru fitting 10 may be installed in acircular opening B formed in floor A to activate a desired floorlocation. In this respect, the fitting is typically installed in a coredhole in a concrete floor. It is adapted to be activated by connectingsource power service and communication/data signal service cables, whichare otherwise disposed in the plenum C below the floor A, toreceptacles, such as power receptacles and communication/datareceptacles, respectively, mounted internally in the poke-thru fitting10. This enables above-floor power plugs and signal transferring devicesto be connected to the poke-thru fitting 10 and to thus transfer powerand communication/data signals to equipment located on or above thefloor A.

[0031] The poke-thru fitting 10 includes an insert 12 that is adapted tobe installed in a floor opening B. The insert 12 includes an upper,generally cylindrical chamber or compartment 14, defined at the insert'supper end by a horizontally disposed top plate 16 and at its lower endby a horizontally disposed middle plate 18. (In the illustratedembodiment, the top plate 16 is generally defined by the trim flange 3).A receptacle barrier 20 divides the upper chamber 14 into a centralspace or portion 22, in which power receptacles 24 are disposed, and apair of radially outer, semi-annular side spaces or portions 26 in whichcommunication/data receptacles 28 are disposed.

[0032] In this respect, the fitting 10 has a plurality ofcommunication/data receptacles 28 that are adapted to be activatedwithin the fitting 10 by communication/data signal cables 30. Terminalsin the upper faces of the receptacles 28 are accessible through accessdoors located in the cover plate 4. In the illustrated embodiment, thefitting 10 four RJ-45 category 5 type jacks (e.g., receptacles). It willbe appreciated, however, that the fitting could readily support othertypes of communication/data receptacles, such as fiber optic jacks (see,e.g., FIG. 8).

[0033] The fitting 10 also supports at least one power receptacle 24,which is adapted to be activated within the fitting 10 by source powercables 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the power receptacle 24 is inthe form of a duplex receptacle, which is configured to snap-mount intothe trim flange 3, as is explained in greater detail below. Outlets inthe power receptacle 24 may be wired in a single circuit or may be wiredin a two electrically isolated circuits.

[0034] The receptacle barrier 20 physically separates and electricallyisolates the connection between the power receptacle 24 and the powercables 32 from the connection between the communication/data receptacles28 and the communication/data cables 30, so as to shield thecommunication/data cables 30, and their associated receptacles 28, fromE.M.I. and/or R.F.I. emanating from the power cables 32. The receptaclebarrier 20 is generally rectangular and includes a bottom wall 34, apair of opposed side walls 36, a pair of opposed end walls 38, and a topopening which define the central space 22. The side walls 36 extendacross the upper chamber 14 like chords and serve to divide the centralspace 22 from the side spaces 26. The receptacle barrier 20 shields thecentral space 22, where the high-voltage power cables 32 are connectedto the power receptacles 24, from the side spaces 26, where thecommunication/data cables 32 are connected to the communication/datareceptacles 28. An opening is formed in the bottom wall 34 for routingpower cables 32 into the central space 22. It will be appreciated thatthe number an mounting locations of the receptacles 24, 28 within thefitting 10 can be varied without departing from the scope of theappended claims. For example, the communications/data receptacles 28could be mounted in the central space 22 and the power receptacles 24could be mounted in the side spaces 26, as is shown in theaforementioned '951 application.

[0035] The receptacle barrier 20 may be formed of a dielectric materialsuch as polyvinyl chloride. The barrier 20 may also include E.M.I/R.F.I.shield in the form a foil collector disposed on its side walls, as isgenerally described in the aforementioned '078 patent. Alternatively theshield may be in the form of a metal jacket as is described in theaforementioned '951 application. The barrier is secured to the middleplate 18 by fasteners (not shown) which thread into reciprocal aperturesin the plate 18. The barrier 20 may be grounded to drain E.M.I. andR.F.I., which may be generated in insert 12, with respect to the upperchamber 14, as is shown and described in the '078 patent and the '951application.

[0036] Insert 12 further includes a fire stopping elements 50 as isknown in the art. Suitable fire stopping elements are disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 6,018,126 which issued to Castellani et al. on Jan. 25, 2000.The fire stopping elements 50 comprise intumescent material such ashydrated sodium silicate, and they form an insulating barrier to controltemperature increases and retard the spread of flames. The elements 50further protect against heat and flame by forming a refractory char asthe temperature continues to rise. The details of the intumescentmaterial and more fully described in the Castellani '126 patent.

[0037] The fire stopping elements 50 define a central raceway 54 throughwhich the power cables 32 are extendable, and two side raceways 58through which the communication/data cables 30 are extendable. The firestopping elements 50 are supported between the middle plate 18 and thebottom plate 44. The middle and bottom plates 18, 44 have openings whichare aligned with the raceways 54 and 58 in the elements 50 to permitwires to pass between the plenum C and the upper chamber 14.

[0038] The upper end of the EMT 46 may be connected to the bottom plate44 for securing a conduit system thereto and for improving groundingcapability. A conventional junction box 60 may be connected to the lowerend of the EMT 46.

[0039] Insert 12 also includes a conventional annular retainer 62 whichis disposed adjacent the middle plate 18. The retainer 62 retains thepoke-thru fitting 10 in floor opening B. At least one fastener 63extends between and is connected between the middle and bottom plates 18and 44 for assisting in securing the fire stopping elements 50 betweenthe plates. As was mentioned above, the fastener 63 may also be used tosecure the barrier 20 in place and to facilitate grounding of thebarrier 20.

[0040] The cover assembly 2 is connected with the upper end of theinsert 12, and aligns with and overlies the floor opening B. As wasdiscussed above, the cover assembly 2 includes a first portion in theform of trim flange or finish ring 3, a second portion in the form ofcover plate 4, a first seal member 5, and a second seal member 6. Thetrim flange 3 may be made of cast aluminum or brass, for example, and itis secured to the insert 12 by fasteners 70. The fasteners 70 extendthrough the trim flange 3 and thread into reciprocal openings in legs 72that extend upwardly from the middle plate 18. The trim flange 3 has agenerally planar body portion 74 which overlies the floor opening B andan annular flange 76 which extends around the perimeter of the planarbody portion 74 and overlies the surface of the floor A. The trim flange3 also includes a central opening 80 that overlies the upper chamber 14of the insert. The central opening 80 is defined by a central portion 82that overlies the central space 22 of the chamber 14 and two sideportions 84 that overly the side spaces 26 of the chamber 14. It will beappreciated that the portions 82, 84 of the central opening 80 could beformed by three separate openings.

[0041] The central portion 82 of the opening 80 is sized to receive andsupport the power receptacle 24. The power receptacle 24 may be in theform of a duplex receptacle (as shown in FIG. 2). The power receptacle24 has a housing 88 which carries a pair of conventional electricaloutlets 90 in its upper face. The outlets present blade openings 92which are oriented for receiving a conventional male electrical plug(not shown). The housing is preferably formed of plastic and configuredto snap into place in the trim flange 3. In this respect, the powerreceptacle 24 includes a pair of opposing locking tabs 98 that extendoutwardly from the receptacle housing 88. The trim flange 3 iscompressed between the tabs 98 and the top wall of the receptacle 24when the receptacle is inserted downwardly into the trim flange 3. Thepower cables 32 extend into the housing 88 and are interconnected withthe receptacle 24 for delivering power to the outlets 90, as is wellknown in the art. In this respect, the receptacle 24 may be pre-wired atthe factory to reduce the required on-site installation time.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, the power receptacle 24 may alternativelycomprise a pair of simplex power receptacles 104 carried by a mountingbracket 106. Suitable simplex receptacles are shown in theaforementioned '951 application, and they are also used in the Model RC4Poke-Thru Fitting as sold by Walker Systems, Inc. Each of the simplexreceptacles 104 has a generally square housing. The housing presents apair of locking tabs 10 similar to those provided on the duplexreceptacle shown in FIG. 2. The locking tabs 110 allow the receptacles104 to snap mount into the mounting bracket 106. The mounting bracket106 similarly includes locking tabs 111 which allow it to snap mount inthe trim flange. Alternatively, the mounting bracket could be connectedto the trim flange 3 by a pair fasteners (not shown) which extendthrough the mounting bracket 106 and thread into reciprocal openings(not shown) in the trim flange 3.

[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, each of the side portions 84 of thecentral opening 80 is configured to support at least onecommunication/data receptacle 28. In the illustrated embodiment, eachside portion 28 supports a pair of the communication/data receptacles28. The communication/data receptacles 28 are carried by mountingbrackets 120, which are configured for mounting in the side portions 84.The mounting brackets 120 may be constructed generally in accordancewith those disclosed in the '078 patent.

[0044] Referring additionally to FIGS. 7 and 8, height-adjustablemounting brackets 120 may be used so that data jacks of varyingconfigurations can be internally mounted in the fitting in a protectedfashion, as is disclosed in the '078 patent. The mounting brackets 120may utilize a two-piece construction consisting of a first portion 200that is mounted in the trim flange 3 (at a fixed height) and a secondportion 202 which is height adjustable relative to the bracket firstportion 200.

[0045] The bracket first portion 200 is adapted to be mounted within oneof the side portions 84 of opening 80 so that the bracket first portion200 overlies a respective one of the side spaces 26 of the compartment14. The bracket first portion 202 is generally U-shaped and includes apair of opposed side walls 204 and an end wall 206 extending between theside walls. Flanges 208 extend outwardly from the top edges of the sidewalls 204 and are positioned to overlay the edges of the side portion 84and engage against the top of the trim flange 3 to support the bracketfirst portion 200 above the side space 26 of the chamber 14. The topface of the trim flange 3 is recessed around the side portions 84 sothat the top wall 214 of the bracket first portion 200 fitssubstantially flush with the top face of the planar body portion 74 ofthe flange 3.

[0046] Locking tabs 220 are formed in the side walls 204 of the bracketfirst portion 200 for securing the mounting bracket 120 within the sideportion 84 of the central opening 80. As the mounting bracket 120 isinserted downwardly into the side opening 84, the lower edges of thelocking tabs 220 engage against the edges of the opening 80. Continueddownward pressure on the mounting bracket 120 biases the tabs 220inwardly to permit the bracket 120 to move downwardly into the opening80. The lower edges of the tabs 220 are beveled to ease insertion of thebracket 120 into the opening 80. Once the upper edges of the tabs 220extend past the lower face of the trim flange 3, the tabs 220 springoutwardly to lock the bracket 120 in place.

[0047] The bracket second portion 202 includes a top wall 222 and a pairof downwardly extending side walls 224. The mounting bracket secondportion 202 is adapted to receive and support at least onecommunication/data receptacle 28 such that an upper terminal of thereceptacle is accessible through the cover plate 4 and a lower terminalof the receptacle is contained within the chamber 14 for interconnectionwith a communication/data cable.

[0048] The bracket second portion 202 is mountable in the bracket firstportion 200 in a height adjustable fashion, whereby the top wall 222 ofthe bracket second portion 202 may be varied relative to the top wall214 of the bracket first portion. For this purpose, the top wall 222extends beyond the edges of the side walls 224 to define a pair ofoutwardly extending flanges or lips 226. Tabs 228 extending outwardlybelow the flanges 226 and define grooves 230 which are adapted toslidably engage with reciprocal ribs 232 formed on the inner surfaces ofthe side walls 204 of the bracket first portion 200. In the illustratedembodiments, the bracket first portion 202 includes an upper pair ofopposed ribs 234 and a lower pair of opposed ribs 236. When the bracketsecond portion 202 is slid onto the upper ribs 234, the top wall 222 ofthe bracket second portion 202 is substantially flush with the top wall214 of the bracket first portion 200. Conversely, when the bracketsecond portion 202 is slid onto the lower ribs 236, the top wall 222 ofthe bracket second portion 202 is spaced below the top wall 214 of thebracket first portion 200. In either position, an upper terminal of thecommunication/data receptacle 28 carried by the bracket 12 is accessiblethrough an associated one of the access doors on the cover plate 4,whereas the lower terminal of the receptacle 28 is positioned within theupper compartment 14 (and, more specifically, in one of the side spaces26) for interconnection to the appropriate service cable. In thismanner, communication/data receptacles 28 of varying heights can beinternally mounted in the fitting 10 in a protected fashion. As will beappreciated, the spacing between the upper and lower ribs 234, 236 isdependent upon the construction of the communication/data receptacles 28that are to be installed in the fitting. Moreover, additional pairs ofribs 232 could be formed on the bracket first portion 200 to accommodatemore than two different heights of receptacles 28.

[0049] By way of example, the mounting bracket 120 of FIG. 7 isconfigured to support a pair of RJ-45 Category 5 data receptacles orjacks 29 in a protected fashion within the fitting 10. When installed,terminals 240 in the top faces 242 of the jacks 29 are accessiblethrough reciprocal openings 244 formed in the top wall 222 of thebracket second portion 202, whereas the terminal banks 248 in the lowerends of the jacks 29 are contained within the compartment 14 forinterconnection with the communication/data cable 30. (See FIG. 3). Themounting bracket second portion 202 shown in FIG. 7 is commerciallyavailable from the Pass & Seymour of the LeGrand Corporation as a model2A-U2 KEY connector, and is constructed to support a pair of Keystonedata jacks that are also commercially available from Pass & Seymour. Itwill be appreciated, however, that the bracket second portion 202 canreadily be configured to accommodate variety of different commerciallyavailable data jacks including other RJ-XX series connectors, (such asthe RJ-11 and RJ-12 connectors), fiber optic connectors (see, e.g., FIG.8), and co-axial connectors.

[0050] The jacks 29 (shown in FIG. 7) are configured to snap into placein the bracket second portion 202. For this purpose each jack 29includes a pair of outwardly extending locking tabs 250, 252. At leastone of the tabs 250, 252 is constructed such that it can be biasedinwardly. The jack 29 is installed by aligning it below one of theopenings 244 in the top wall 222 of the bracket second portion 202. Thejack 29 is then moved upwardly until the top faces of the tabs 250, 252engage against transverse legs 254, 256 that extend between the sidewalls 224. Continued upward movement of the jack 29 relative to thebracket second portion 202 biases the tab 252 inwardly. Once the loweredges of the tabs 250, 252 move past the transverse legs 254, 256, thetab 252 snaps back outward to lock the jack 29 into place between thetransverse legs 254, 256 and the top wall 222 of the bracket secondportion 202.

[0051] Once installed, the top face 242 of the jack 29 fits flushagainst the bottom face of the top wall 222. Upward movement of the jack29 is restricted upwardly by the interface between the jack 29 and thetop wall 222, whereas downward movement is restricted by the interfacebetween the tabs 250, 252 and the transverse walls 254, 256. The jack 29is constrained laterally relative to the bracket second portion 202 bywalls 258 that extend downwardly from the top wall 222 on either side ofthe openings 244. Once the jacks 29 are installed into the bracketsecond portion 202, the bracket second portion 202 is slid into place onthe upper 234 ribs of the bracket first portion 200. The lower terminals248 of the jacks are then appropriately connected to thecommunications/data service cable 30 and the mounting bracket 120 isinstalled into place in one of the side portions 24 of the opening 80.With the bracket second portion 202 positioned on the upper ribs 234,the top faces 242 of communication/data jacks 29 fit substantially flushwith the top of the recess in the trim flange 3. The terminals 240 ofthe jacks 29 are accessible through the access doors in the cover plate4, whereas the lower terminals 248 are contained within the side space26 of the upper chamber 14.

[0052]FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment 120B of the mounting bracket,which is configured to support a pair of fiber optic receptacles (orjacks) 31 in a protected fashion within the fitting 10. The onlydifference from the embodiment of FIG. 7 is the construction of thebracket second portion 202B, and, in particular, the interface betweenthe bracket second portion and the receptacles 31. In this embodiment,the top wall 222 of the bracket second portion 202B includes a pair ofgenerally circular apertures 264 (one shown) which are sized to receiveconventional fiber optic receptacles 31. As will be appreciated, thesize and shape of the apertures 264 is dependent on the specific fiberoptic receptacle 31 that is employed. (This embodiment is also wellsuited for use with co-axial jacks which are mounted to the bracket in asimilar fashion.) The fiber optic receptacle 31 is installed in thebracket second portion 202B by inserting its lower terminal 266downwardly through the opening 264 until an annular rib 268 formed onthe receptacle abuts against the top wall 222 of the bracket secondportion 202B. The receptacle 31 is secured in place in the opening 264by a nut 270 that threads onto the lower end of the receptacle 31. Thebracket second portion 202B is then slid into place on the lower ribs236 of the bracket first portion 200. The lower ribs 236 are positionedsuch that the upper face 272 of the fiber optic receptacle 31 issubstantially flush with the upper wall 214 of the bracket first portion200. Hence, when the bracket 120B is installed into the fitting 10, theupper edges of the fiber optic receptacles 31 are recessed below thecover plate 4 and aligned substantially flush with the planar bodyportion 74 of the trim flange 3. The upper terminal 274 of the jack 26can be accessed through the appropriate access door in the slide holder4. When the jack 26 is not in use, the access door is closed to protectthe jack from dirt, floor traffic, etc. The lower terminal of the jackextends into the side space 26 of the chamber 14 and is appropriatelyinterconnected with fiber optics service cable.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the mounting bracket 120 can takeother forms without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Forexample, as is shown in the '126 patent, the mounting bracket may be inthe form of a plate which is configured to mount in the trim flange 3and support at least one communication/data receptacle.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the cover plate 4 is generallycircular and is sized to fit in a generally annular recess 300 formed inthe top of the trim flange 3. A pair of fasteners 301 secure the coverplate to the to the trim flange 3 and compress the internal gasket 5 toseal against water infiltration between these components. The coverplate 4 includes a plurality of access doors 302 for selectivelycovering and exposing the receptacles 24, 28 carried by the fitting 10.In the illustrated embodiment, the cover plate 4 carries two poweraccess doors 304i a, 304 b and two communication/data access doors 306a, 306 b. Each of the power access doors 304 a, 304 b is associated withone of the outlets 90 in the power receptacle 24 and is movable betweenan inner, closed position (see, e.g., door 304 a in FIG. 1) at which itoverlies the associated outlet to prevent access thereto and an outer,open position (see, e.g. door 304 b in FIG. 1) at which the outlet isexposed and accessible from above the floor. Similarly, each of thecommunication/data access doors 306 a, 306 b is associated with a pairof the communication/data receptacles 28 and is movable between aninner, closed position (see, e.g., door 306 a in FIG. 1) at which itoverlies the associated communication/data receptacles 28 to preventaccess thereto and an outer, open position (see e.g. the door 306 b inFIG. 1) at which the associated communication/data receptacles 28 areexposed and accessible from above the floor. As can be seen in theenlarged view in FIG. 1, the communications openings in the cover plate4 may include recesses 307 to provide finger access for ease of removalof communications plugs (not shown) from the communication/datareceptacles 28 carried by the fitting. It will be appreciated, thatindividual access doors could be provided for each of thecommunication/data receptacles 28. Similarly, a single access door couldbe provided for both of the outlets 90 in the power receptacle.

[0055] Preferably the access doors 302 are slidably connected to thecover plate 4 for movement between their open and closed positions. Forthis purpose, the access doors 302 present outwardly extending flangesor legs 314 which are configured to slidably engage in reciprocalgrooves or slots 316 formed in the cover plate 4. Locking tabs 318 maybe provided for retaining the access doors within the slots 316. In theillustrated embodiment, locking tabs 318 are formed on the side edge ofthe communication/data access doors 306. The power access doors 304 mayinclude similar locking tabs, or they may, for example, include lockingpins 320 in their bottom faces which align and mate with reciprocalslots 322 in the cover plate 4. The interface between the pin 320 andthe slot 322 retains the access door 304 in the cover plate and alsoserves to limit its travel between its inner/closed position and itsouter/open position.

[0056] Blade openings 321 in the cover plate 4 align with correspondingblade receiving opening 92 in the outlets 90. When a power access door304 is moved to its open position, the outlet associated with that dooris exposed through the openings 321 in the cover plate 4 to permit anelectrical plug (not shown) to be connected to the outlet for activationof above floor power services. The power access doors 304 are biased totheir closed positions, e.g., by springs 325, such that theyautomatically close when a plug is removed.

[0057] Preferably the cover plate 4 and the power receptacle 24 areconstructed so that they can only be mounted in the trim flange 3 in oneorientation. This is done to ensure that the blade openings 321 in thecover plate 4 align the blade openings 92 of the power outlets 90. Forexample, the trim flange 3 may include a boss 324 (see FIGS. 2 and 5)configured to align with a reciprocal slot 326 (see FIG. 6) in the coverplate 4 to ensure proper orientation of these two components. Similarly,the power receptacle 24 may include a protrusion or tab 328 which isconfigured to mate with a reciprocal groove or recess 330 in the edge ofthe central opening 80, so as to fix the orientation of the receptacle24 relative to the trim flange 3.

[0058]FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate how the first and second seal members 5,6 prevent moisture from infiltrating the inner compartment of thefitting 10. The first, or internal seal member 5 is in the form of agenerally planar gasket 339. The gasket 339 is interposed or sandwichedbetween the cover plate 4 and the trim flange 3. The first seal member 5is made out of a material such as santoprene or silicon, which can beinjection molded or press molded. The first seal member 5 has aplurality of access openings 340. The access openings 340 overlie thereceptacles 24, 28 to provide access to the receptacles through thecover plate 4. In particular, the first seal member 5 includes a pair ofpower access openings 342 a, 342 b, each of which overlies one of theoutlets 90 in the power receptacle 24. The first seal member alsoincludes a pair of communication/data access openings 344 a, 344 b, eachof which overlies a pair of the communication/data receptacles 28. Itwill be appreciated that separate communication/data access openings 344could be provided for each of the communication/data receptacles 28.Moreover, the access openings for the power receptacles 24 could be inthe form of slits which overlay the blade openings 92 in the receptacle,as is generally shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,017,153. Ribs 346 extendupwardly around the perimeter of the access openings 340 and wrap aroundthe receptacles 24, 28. Each of the ribs 346 is positioned to engageagainst the bottom face of a respective access door 302 when the door isat closed position so as to seal against water infiltration into thefitting.

[0059] As will be appreciated the ribs 346 could be eliminated byforming the seal 5 with a planar top face that extends above the topfaces of the receptacles. However, the ribs 346 provide the addedbenefit of reducing the force required to open and close theslide-mounted access doors 302. This is because the ribs 346 minimizethe surface area of the first seal member 5 that contacts the undersideof the doors 302, while still providing an adequate seal against thedoors 302. Reducing the surface area of the contact between the firstseal member 5 and the access doors 302 results in a correspondingreduction in the friction between the underside of a given door and thefirst seal member as the door is moved between its open and closedposition. This also reduces the spring force requirements for closingthe slide-mounted access doors 302. The material used to form the gasket339 can be impregnated with a lubricant to enhance the lubricity of thegasket 339, which is beneficial for further reducing the frictionbetween the ribs 346 and the slide-mounted access doors 302.

[0060] The first seal member 5 also has a second rib 360 or beadextending downwardly from its bottom face. (See FIG. 3). The second rib360 is sized and positioned to extend around the perimeter of thecentral opening 80 in the trim flange 3, and, hence, around theperimeter of the receptacles 24, 28. The second rib 360 seats in areciprocal annular groove 362 formed in the upper face of the trimflange 3. This rib 360 provides a watertight seal between the trimflange 3 and the first seal member 5 independent of a clamping pressureapplied by the fasteners 301. As a result, fewer fasteners are needed tosecure the cover plate 4 to the trim flange 3. The groove 362 in thetrim flange 3 is sized to form an interference fit the second rib 360,so as to prevent moisture infiltration between the cover plate 4 and thetrim flange 3 and into the internal compartment 14 of the fitting 10. Itwill be appreciated that the second rib 360 could alternatively beformed of a plurality of ribs, each of which surrounds one or more ofthe receptacles 24, 28.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, a boss 370 on the bottom face of the coverplate 4 penetrates through the first seal 5 and creates a positive stopbetween the cover plate 4 and the flange 3. The boss 370 may, as isillustrated, be formed concentrically with the mounting screw aperture372 in the cover plate. The boss creates a stepped area 374, whichcompresses the first seal member 5 sufficiently to prevent waterinfiltration into the fitting 10. The boss 370 also prevents the coverplate 4 from bowing, thereby ensuring proper operation of the accessdoors. As can also be seen in FIG. 4, the screw aperture 372 in thecover plate 5 includes a raised inner ridge 376, which creates apositive water stop when a screw is tightened down onto it.

[0062] As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the second seal member 6includes at least one compressible annular gasket which extends aroundthe perimeter of the floor opening and is compressed between the trimflange 3 and the floor to provide a watertight seal which prevents waterfrom leaking into the fitting. Preferably the second seal includes afirst, inner gasket 380, which is sized such that it is compressedbetween the flange 3 and the main floor A, and a second, outer gasket382, which is sized such that it is compressed between the finishedfloor 384 and the flange 3. The gaskets 380, 382 are constructed of acompressible foam material and are attached to the underside of theflange 3, e.g., by adhesive. The gaskets 380, 382 permit the flange 3 tobe used with a variety of finished floor materials, including bothcarpet an tile. In this respect, the outer gasket 382 is thinner thanthe inner gasket 380. When the flange 3 is installed over a tile floor,the outer gasket 382 will be compressed between the flange 3 and thetile to seal against water infiltration. In such applications, the innergasket 380 may or may not be compressed against the main floor. Bycontrast, in carpet application, the primary sealing function will beprovided by the in inner gasket 380.

[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 9-16 a cover assembly 402 according tocertain aspects of a second embodiment of the present invention includesa first portion in the form of a trim flange 403, a second portion inthe form of a slide holder or cover plate 404, a first or internal sealmember 405, a second or external seal member 406 (see FIG. 12) and athird seal member 408.

[0064] The construction of the trim flange 403 is generally the same asthe trim flange 3, and, therefore, it will not be described in detail.The trim flange 403 includes a central opening 410 that overlies theupper chamber 14 of the fitting 10. The central opening 410 is definedby a central portion 412 that overlies the central space 22 of thechamber 14 and two side portions 414 that overly the side spaces 26 ofthe chamber 14. The central portion 412 of the opening 410 is sized toreceive and support the power receptacle 24, whereas each side portion414 is sized to receive and support at least one communication/datareceptacle 28 in generally the same manner as was described above.Fasteners 413 extend through apertured flanges 415 on the powerreceptacle 24 and thread into reciprocal openings 416 in the trim flange3 for securing the power receptacle 24 to the trim flange. Thecommunication/data receptacles 28 include mounting brackets 417 that areconfigured to snap into the trim flange 3, as was described above. Eachmounting bracket 417 carries one communication/data receptacle in theillustrated embodiment. It will be appreciated, however, that, as wasdescribed above, multiple communication/data receptacles 28 could becarried by each of the mounting brackets 417. Fasteners 418 extendthrough openings 420 in the trim flange and thread into reciprocalopenings in the fitting for securing the trim flange to the in-floorfitting, in generally the same manner as was described above.

[0065] The cover plate 404 includes a top portion 419, the third sealmember (or cover plate seal member) 408, a plurality of access doors422, and a bottom portion 424. The top portion 419, bottom portion 424,and access doors 422 are preferably molded from a relatively rigidpolymeric material, such as PVC. The third gasket 408 is preferablyformed of a flexible polymer, such as silicon, and is preferablyco-molded with either the top portion 418 or bottom portion 424.

[0066] The access doors 422 are slidably mounted between the top andbottom portions 418, 424 for selectively covering and exposing thereceptacles 24, 28 carried by the fitting 10. In the illustratedembodiment, the cover plate 404 carries two power access doors 426 andtwo communication/data access doors 428. Each of the power access doors426 is associated with one of the outlets in the receptacle 24 and ismovable between an inner, closed position at which it overlies theassociated outlet to prevent access thereto, and an outer, open positionat which the outlet is exposed and accessible from above the floor. Itwill be appreciated that a single access door could alternately beprovided for both of the outlets in the power receptacle 24. Each of thecommunication/data access doors 428 is associated with one of thecommunication/data receptacles 28 and is movable between an inner,closed position at which it overlies the associated receptacle 28 toprevent access thereto and an outer, open position at which theassociated communication/data receptacle is exposed and accessible fromabove the floor.

[0067] As can best be seen in FIGS. 9, 14 and 15, fingers 430 formed onbottom faces of the access doors 422 are configured to mate withreciprocal slots or grooves 432 formed in the bottom portion 424 forslidably connecting the access doors to the bottom portion. Each doormay further include a longitudinally extending rib or leg 434 (or aplurality of such legs). The legs 434 are configured to engage withreciprocal grooves or tracks 435 formed in the top face of bottomportion 424. Springs 436 are provided for biasing the power access doors426 to their closed positions. Each spring 436 extends between a post438 formed on the bottom of an associated power access door 426 and apost 440 formed on the top face of the bottom portion 424. The legs 434on the bottom of the power access doors 428 are separated by a channel442, which is configured to house the spring 436. It will be appreciatedthat, although not shown, the communication/data access doors 428 couldalso be spring biased.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 13 and 16, the third seal member 408 is in theform of a gasket 444 that is interposed between the top and bottomportions 419, 424 of the cover plate 404. The gasket 444 is preferablyin the form of a flexible polymeric gasket that is co-molded with eitherthe top or bottom portion of the cover plate 404.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the gasket 444 is co-molded withthe top portion 419 of the cover plate.

[0070] Snap fingers 450 formed on the bottom face of the top portion 419are configured to mate with reciprocal openings 452 in the bottomportion 424 for securing the top and bottom portions together. It willbe appreciated that other means, such as threaded fasteners, could alsobe used to secure the top and bottom portions 419, 424 together.

[0071] The top portion 419 and co-molded gasket 444 include respectiveopenings 454, 456 for receiving the access doors 422. The access doors422 include outwardly extending flanges 458 that underlie the edges ofthe openings 454, 456 when the top portion 419, with its co-moldedgasket 444, are secured to the bottom portion 424. When the top portion419 is connected to the bottom portion, the co-molded gasket 444compresses against the flanges 458 on the access doors to seal aroundthe access doors.

[0072] As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and 16, the third seal member 408 isgenerally coextensive with the top portion 419, except where the topportion includes pads 460 of increased thickness. When the top portion419 is secured to the bottom portion 424, the pads 460 engage againstthe top face of the bottom portion 424. The pads 460 are sized inthickness to ensure proper compression of gasket 408 against the flanges458 of the access doors 422.

[0073] The pads 460 include cut out sections 462. When the gasket 444 isco-molded to the top portion 419, the gasket material flows into the cutout sections 462. The cut out sections 462 increases the area of surfacecontact between the gasket 444 and the top portion 419, thereby addingthe integrity of the co-molded bond between these components.

[0074] The cover plate 404 is secured to the trim flange 403 byfasteners 468 (see FIG. 9) that extend through the cover plate andthread into reciprocal apertures in the trim flange. The top portion419, co-molded gasket 444 and bottom portion 424 include respectiveapertures 472, 474, 476 for allowing the fasteners 468 to extend throughthe cover plate 404. The apertures 474 in the gasket 444 are of areduced diameter, so as to seal against moisture infiltration around thefasteners 468.

[0075] As can be seen in FIGS. 9 and 12, the first seal member 405includes a bead seal or O-ring configured to mate with a reciprocalgroove 480 formed in the top face of the trim flange 403 around theperimeter of the central opening 410. The first seal member 405 iscompressed between the cover plate 404 and the trim flange 403 toprevent water from entering the clearance opening between the coverplate 404 and the trim flange 403. As will be appreciated, the firstseal member 405 could take other forms while still performing thisfunction. For example, the first seal could be in the form of a planargasket with a downwardly extending annular bead or rib, as is shownabove in the first seal member 5. In addition, it will be appreciatedthat the cover plate 404 could include an annular groove in its bottomface for receiving a portion of the first seal member 405.

[0076] The second seal member 406 is of the same general construction asthe second seal member 5 described above. In particular, the second sealmember 406 includes at least one compressible annular gasket 482 whichextends around the perimeter of the floor opening and is compressedbetween the trim flange 403 and the floor to provide a watertight sealbetween the trim flange and the floor. (See FIG. 12) As was describedabove, the second seal member may include a first, inner gasket which issized such that it is compressed between the flange 3 and the main floorA, and a second, outer gasket which is sized such that it is compressedbetween the finished floor 384 and the flange 3.

[0077] While particular elements, embodiments and applications of thepresent invention have been shown and described, it will be understood,of course, that the invention is not limited thereto since modificationsmay be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of theforegoing teachings. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claimsto cover such modifications as incorporate those features which comewithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A cover assembly for use with a fitting of the type which is disposedin a floor and has an inner compartment accessible through an opening inthe upper surface of the floor, the fitting being configured so thatsource cables can be routed into the inner compartment from a locationbelow the upper surface of the floor, the cover assembly comprising: amounting bracket connectable to the fitting at a location which overliesthe floor opening, the mounting bracket being adapted to support atleast one receptacle within the fitting such that the receptacle can beinterconnected with a source cable within the inner compartment and canbe interconnected from above the floor with a connector; a cover plateconnected to the mounting bracket and overlying the electricalreceptacle, the cover plate having an access door movable between afirst position at which the door overlies the receptacle to preventaccess thereto and a second position at which the receptacle is exposedand accessible through the cover plate; a first seal member interposedbetween the mounting bracket and the cover plate and being adapted toseal against water infiltration between the mounting bracket and thecover plate and into the fitting; and a second seal member interposedbetween the mounting bracket and the floor and being adapted to sealagainst water infiltration between the mounting bracket and the floorand into the fitting.
 2. A cover assembly as set forth in claim 1,wherein the first seal member overlies the receptacle and at least theportion of the mounting bracket adjacent to and surrounding theperimeter of the receptacle, the first seal member including an accessopening which provides access to the receptacle, an upwardly extendingrib formed around the perimeter of the access opening and beingpositioned to abut with the access door when the access door is at itsclosed position so as to seal against water infiltration between the riband the door, and a downwardly extending rib configured to mate with areciprocal groove formed in the mounting bracket around the perimeter ofthe receptacle so as to seal against water infiltration between thefirst seal member and the mounting bracket.
 3. A cover assembly as setforth in claim 1, wherein the second seal member comprises at least onegasket extending around the perimeter of the floor opening and beingadapted to be compressed between the mounting bracket and the uppersurface of the floor when the mounting bracket is connected to thefitting.
 4. An access cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein the accessdoor is slidably connected to the cover plate for movement between itsfirst and second positions.
 5. An access cover as set forth in claim 1,wherein the mounting bracket is adapted to support at least one powerreceptacle.
 6. An access cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein themounting bracket is adapted to support at least one communication/datareceptacle.
 7. An access cover as set forth in claim 1, wherein thefirst seal comprises a bead seal configured to mate with a reciprocalgroove formed in the mounting bracket.
 8. An access cover as set forthin claim 1, wherein the cover plate includes a top portion, a bottomportion, a plurality of access doors slidably mounted between the topand bottom portions, and a third seal interposed between the top andbottom portions and being adapted to seal against water infiltrationbetween the top and bottom portions.
 9. An access cover as set forth inclaim 8, wherein the third seal is co-molded with one of the top andbottom portions.
 10. An access cover as set forth in claim 9, whereinthe third seal is formed of a compressible polymeric material that isco-molded with one of the top and bottom portions.
 11. An access coveras set forth in claim 10, wherein the third seal member is co-moldedwith the top portion and is configured to seal around the access doors.12. In a fitting which adapted to be mounted is in a floor and supportat least one receptacle such that the receptacle can be connected withcables which enter the fitting from below the surface of the floor andcan be connected from above the floor with a connector which enters thefitting through an opening in the surface of the floor, a cover assemblycomprising: a trim flange mounted on the surface of the floor andoverlying the floor opening, the trim flange including an opening whichprovides access to the receptacle; a cover plate mounted on the trimflange and overlying the receptacle, the cover plate having an accessdoor movable between a first position at which the door overlies thereceptacle to prevent access thereto and a second position at which thereceptacle is exposed and accessible through the cover plate; a firstseal member interposed between the trim flange and the cover plate andbeing adapted to seal against moisture infiltration between the trimflange and the cover plate, the first seal member including an openingwhich overlies the receptacle to provide access thereto and an upwardlyextending rib formed around the perimeter of the opening in the firstseal member, the upwardly extending rib being positioned to abut withthe access door when the access door is at its closed position so as toseal against water infiltration therebetween, the first gasket alsoincluding a downwardly extending rib which is configured to mate with areciprocal groove formed in the trim flange around the perimeter of thereceptacle so as to seal against water infiltration between the firstseal member and the trim flange; and a second seal member disposedbetween the trim flange and the floor and which is adapted to sealagainst water infiltration between the trim flange and the floor andinto the fitting.
 13. A cover assembly as set forth in claim 12, whereinthe second seal member comprises at least one gasket which extendsaround the perimeter of the floor opening and is compressed between thefloor and the trim flange.
 14. A cover assembly as set forth in claim13, wherein the trim flange is securable to the floor fitting andwherein the at least one gasket is configured to be compressed betweentrim flange and floor when the trim flange is secured to the floorfitting.
 15. An access cover as set forth in claim 12, wherein the trimflange is constructed to function as a mounting bracket for supportingthe receptacle within the fitting.
 16. An access cover as set forth inclaim 12, wherein the access door is slidably connected to the coverplate for movement between its first and second positions.
 17. An accesscover as set forth in claim 12, wherein the receptacle is a powerreceptacle.
 18. An access cover as set forth in claim 12, wherein thereceptacle is a communications/data receptacle.
 19. An in-floor fittingof the type which is disposed in a floor and has an inner compartmentaccessible through an opening in the upper surface of the floor, thefitting being configured so that power cables and communication/datasignal cables can be routed into the inner compartment from a locationbelow the upper surface of the floor; the fitting comprising: a powerreceptacle mounted in the fitting such that it can be interconnectedwith a source power cable within the inner compartment of the fittingand can be interconnected from above the floor with an power connector;a communication/data receptacle mounted in the fitting such that it canbe interconnected with a source communication/data signal cable withinthe inner compartment of the fitting and can be interconnected fromabove the floor with an communication/data connector; a cover assemblyoverlying the floor opening and the receptacles, the cover assemblyhaving a first access door which is movable between a closed position atwhich it overlies the power receptacle to prevent access thereto and anopen position at which the power receptacle is exposed and accessiblefrom above the floor, the cover assembly also having a second accessdoor which is movable between a closed position at which it overlies thecommunication/data receptacle to prevent access thereto and a secondposition at which the communication/data receptacle is exposed andaccessible from above the floor; a first seal member interposed coverassembly and the receptacles, the first seal having a first openingwhich overlies the power receptacle to provide access thereto and asecond opening which overlies the communication/data receptacle toprovide access thereto, the first seal having a portion which extendsupwardly around the perimeter of the first opening and engages againstthe first access door when the first access door is at its closedposition so as to seal against water infiltration into the fitting, thefirst seal having a second portion which extends upwardly around theperimeter of the second opening and engages against the second accessdoor when the second access door is at its closed position so as to sealagainst water infiltration into the fitting.
 20. A fitting as set forthin claim 19, further comprising: a second seal member disposed betweenthe cover assembly and the floor, the second seal member extendingaround the circumference of the floor opening to seal against waterinfiltration into the fitting.
 21. A fitting as set forth in claim 19,wherein the portion of the first seal member which extends upwardlyaround the first and second openings comprise ribs.
 22. A fitting as setforth in claim 19, wherein the cover assembly comprises: a trim flangeoverlying the floor opening and including a center opening whichprovides access to the receptacles; a cover plate which carries thefirst and second access doors and is mounted on the trim flange; andwherein the first seal is interposed between the trim flange and thecover plate.
 23. A fitting as forth in claim 22, wherein the first sealincludes a downwardly extending rib which extends around the receptaclesand mates with a reciprocal groove formed in the trim flange.
 24. Afitting as set forth in claim 22, wherein the access doors are slidablyconnected to the cover plate for movement between their open and closedpositions.
 25. A fitting as set forth in claim 22, wherein the trimflange is adapted to support the power and communication/datareceptacles within the fitting.
 26. A cover assembly for a flushpoke-thru wiring fitting of the type which is adapted to be supported ina floor opening in a floor of a building structure; which includes aninsert having an upper end adjacent to the surface of the floor andhaving a chamber defined therein which extends downwardly from the upperend which has a fire stopping material disposed in the insert so thatthe fire rating of the floor, with the floor opening formed in the floorand with the poke-thru wiring fitting supported in the floor opening, issubstantially the same as the fire rating of the floor without the flooropening formed in the floor; which is adapted to have source powerservice cables and source communication/data signal service cablesconnected with the poke-thru wiring fitting, which source power andsource signal service cables may be disposed in a plenum below thefloor's surface before the floor opening is formed; which has at leastone power receptacle mounted in the chamber so as to be adapted to beconnected with a source power cable and so as to be adapted to have anabove floor power connector selectively connected therewith; and whichhas at least one communication/data receptacle mounted in the chamber soas to be adapted to be connected with a source service cable and so asto be adapted to be adapted to have an above floor signal connectorselectively connected therewith, the cover assembly comprising: a firstportion connectable to the fitting, the first portion having a generallyplanar body which overlies the floor opening and a flange which extendsaround the perimeter of the planar body and overlies the surface of thefloor, the body of the first portion including an opening which providesaccess to the at least one power receptacle and the at least onecommunication/data receptacle; a second portion mountable on the firstportion and overlying the opening in the first portion, the secondportion having at a plurality of access doors slidably connectedthereto, each of the access doors being associated with a different onethe power and signal receptacles, and being movable between a firstposition at which it overlies the associated receptacle and a secondposition at which the associated receptacle is exposed and accessiblefrom above the floor; a first seal member interposed between the coverassembly first and second portions and being adapted to seal againstwater infiltration therebetween, the first seal member including aplurality of openings which provide access to the receptacles, the firstseal member further including a plurality of upwardly extending ribswhich extend around the perimeters of the openings, the ribs beingpositioned to engage against the access doors when the doors are intheir closed positions to seal against water infiltration therebetween,the first seal member further including a downwardly extending rib whichis configured to mate with a reciprocal groove formed in the coverassembly first portion around the perimeter of its central opening so asto seal against water infiltration therebetween; and a second sealmember disposed between the flange of the cover assembly first portionand the floor, the second seal member extending around the circumferenceof the floor opening to seal against water infiltration into the floorfitting.
 27. A cover assembly as set forth in claim 26, wherein thecentral opening in the first portion is adapted to support at leastpower receptacle that has at least one power receptacle and at least onecommunication/data receptacle within the chamber such that thereceptacles can be connected with a source cables within the chamber andcan be selectively connected to above floor power and communication/dataconnectors, respectively.
 28. In a fitting which adapted to be mountedis in a floor and support at least receptacle such that the receptaclecan be connected with source cables which enter the fitting from belowthe surface of the floor and can be connected from above the floor witha connector which enters the fitting through an opening in the surfaceof the floor, a cover assembly comprising: a bottom portion connected tothe fitting at a location which overlies the floor opening; a topportion connected to the bottom portion; at least one access doorslidably mounted between the top and bottom portions for movementbetween a first position at which it overlies the at least onereceptacle and a second position at which the at least one receptacle isexposed and accessible through the floor opening; and a seal memberco-molded with one of the top and bottom portions and being adapted toseal against water infiltration between the top and bottom portions. 29.A cover assembly as set forth in claim 28, wherein the seal member isformed of a compressible polymeric material that is co-molded with oneof the top and bottom portions.
 30. An access cover as set forth inclaim 28, wherein seal member adapted to seal around the access doors.31. In a fitting which adapted to be mounted is in a floor and supportat least one power receptacle such that the receptacle can be connectedwith source power cables which enter the fitting from below the surfaceof the floor and can be connected from above the floor with a powerconnector which enters the fitting through an opening in the surface ofthe floor, a cover assembly comprising: a trim flange mounted on thesurface of the floor and overlying floor opening, the trim flangeincluding an opening which provides access to the electrical receptacle;a cover plate mounted on the trim flange and overlying the electricalreceptacle, the cover plate including a top portion, a bottom portionconnected top portion, an access door slidably mounted between the topand bottom portions for movement between a first position at which itoverlies the receptacle and a second position at which the receptacle isexposed and accessible through the floor opening, and a cover plate sealmember disposed between the top and bottom portions and being adapted toseal against water infiltration between the top and bottom portions; aninner seal member interposed between the trim flange and the cover plateand being adapted to seal against moisture infiltration between the trimflange and the cover plate; an outer seal member disposed between thetrim flange and the floor and which is adapted to seal against waterinfiltration between the trim flange and the floor.
 32. An access coveras set forth in claim 31, wherein the cover plate seal member isco-molded with one of the top and bottom portions.
 33. An access coveras set forth in claim 31, wherein the cover plate seal member isco-molded with the top portion and is configured to seal around theaccess doors.